Rem The Gem, a handle his mother gave him as a child and one that sticks with him even today in his post-playing career as a realtor, was an absolute beauty, and he was a terrific player – a versatile forward who had the ability to check opposing forwards to a standstill and chip in offensively when the situation required it. He was one of those players coaches need, teammates know the true value of and fans and media often overlook.

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In 2004, while playing for the Nashville Predators, Murray was diagnosed with a career-threatening condition known as cervical dystonia – it was a contraction of the neck muscles that forced Murray’s chin toward his left shoulder. Murray stopped playing hockey and looked for a cure.

“I remember when it was really brutal,” Murray said. “There were times when I thought, ‘There’s no way I can come back from this.’ I just wanted to be able to function normally, to play with my kids without being in pain.”

It turned out that injections of Botox eased the condition – Murray even managed to crack wise about the treatment making him look younger – and he improved to the point where he got back on the blades and made a return to pro hockey with the Houston Aeros of the AHL in 2005-06.

In March of 2006 in one of the feel-good stories of the year, the Oilers signed Murray as a free agent, just in time for their Cup run. After getting into nine regular season games, Murray chipped in with four assists in 24 playoff games. It was a stirring and unforgettable encore for Rem the Gem.